Wednesday, April 14, 2010

An Imminent and Frightening Danger

While it has never been my intention to make this a political blog, there are some things I cannot overlook. There are some dangers so diabolical they must not be ignored. Among those dangers dearest to me are the dangers to young girls and women. This morning I encountered just such a danger reported in a newsletter: Nebraska Enacts New Abortion RestrictionsThe original article can be found here:

Republican Gov. Dave Heineman signed both bills, one barring abortions at and after 20 weeks of pregnancy and the other requiring women to be screened before having abortions for mental health and other problems. Both sides of the abortion debate say the laws are firsts of their kind in the U.S.

While I am against both bills, the one that concerns me here is the second.

How difficult would it be for a conservative state government to ensure that it would also be conservatives who do the "screening" of the women seeking abortions? How difficult would it be to stamp "insane" or "completely without morals" or any number of other ruinous labels onto the records of the woman who fails to demonstrate a level of contrition for her desire to have an abortion? Would she be "mentally ill" (thus, requiring incarceration in a mental "facility") if she already has several children and doesn't want more? Would she be an "immoral slut" if she is sixteen and has been experimenting with some very natural and strong urges?

I cannot know what labels could be (or would be) attached to women seeking abortions, but I do know that this is yet another way to enslave and control women. This goes far beyond the "pro and con" abortion arguments. This goes to the very freedom of women to be secure in their persons because I warn you now there is no limit to the abuses that can take place when this kind of legislation is passed and becomes law. There is no limit to the abuses that one group of human beings can (and will) visit upon another when they believe in the righteousness of their cause.

I fear for the women in Nebraska today.I fear for the women in this nation tomorrow.

I haven't researched it too deeply but we have different legislation in each state. Basically it's up to the state of mind of the woman, the condition of the foetus and the clinic. I don't like abortion, never have but know it's the only option for many, what really bothers me is that men are contriving this type of legislation which introduces even more emotion into what is an emotionally charged issue at all levels. I do know women who have had abortions, it's not a decision taken lightly, it's not contraception. I am a firm believer in a woman's right to choose. And typically, the profile of women choosing abortion are in their 20's financially viable and well educated. We don't need protecting from ourselves any more.